On the afternoon of December 28th, Kenneth “Gene” Duke passed away after his battle with Cancer. His loving wife Doris was by his side at the Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House in Rock Hill SC, Gene was 74 years old.

Gene was born in Kingstree South Carolina on July 12th 1941. He was the first child of Kenneth and Letha Duke.

Gene was a father of three, two sons and one daughter. He was a family man who married his high school sweetheart, Doris, on June 11th, 1961. Gene spent 22 years in the United States Air Force and provided his family with a wonderful adventure living in several states and overseas throughout those years. All of Gene’s children were educated not only in public schools, but in different cultures and geographic areas that proved to prepare them for life’s expectations. Both of Gene’s sons, Bryan and Kevin went on to serve in the military, following in their father’s footsteps. Kevin once said, “My dad is the smartest man I have ever known”, and his friends always said, “If you want something done right, get Gene to do it!”

After 22 years of decorated service in the military, Gene retired and started a new career in education. Gene held three college degrees, an Associate of Arts from The University of Maryland and an Associate and Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of South Carolina. Gene taught high school students for another 20 years before retiring once again. Although Gene and his wife Doris lived in numerous states and overseas, they did settle in Sumter, SC, where they lived for over 25 years before moving to Clover, SC to be close to their loving grandchildren. Gene loved to travel, see new places and new things, so he and Doris bought a motor home and spent a year traveling throughout the United States. They also bought some property in the mountains of Tennessee, where they both enjoy spending time together with what he always said was his second family, their dear friends at TCPC in Tennessee. Gene was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth B. Duke and mother Letha Duke.

Gene is survived by his wife Doris E. Duke; his brother Larry Duke, of Hartsville; his three children; Kenneth B. Duke (Pam), of Wilmington, NC; Kevin Lee Duke (Sandy), of Little River; and Darbie Jan Bufford (Britt), of Clover; his grandchildren; Kelsey Bufford, Garrett Bufford, and Vincent Duke.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 30th from 2 to 3 pm, at Williamsburg Funeral Home, 332 E. Main Street, Kingstree, SC. A memorial service will follow at 3 pm in the Chapel with burial to follow at Kingstree Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to the Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House in Rock Hill, SC.

Samuel Boone “Sammie” Boyd, 89, husband of Evelyn Bradham Boyd, passed away Sunday, December 27, 2015, in McLeod Hospice House in Florence.

Mr. Boyd was born May 23, 1926, in Williamsburg County, a son of the late Charles Hilliard Boyd, Sr., and Leamie Fanning Boyd. He was a graduate of Greeleyville High School and was a veteran of the US Army. Mr. “Sammie” was retired from Walker Tire Company in Manning. He was a member of Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church where he also was a member of the Men’s Club. Mr. Boyd was a retired firefighter with Williamsburg County Fire Department Station 2.

Surviving, in addition to his wife Evelyn, of 61 years are: a daughter, Tanya (Robert) Bryant, of Greeleyville; a grandson, Robert Boone Bryant; and a brother, Sease (Pat) Boyd, of Greeleyville. In addition to his parents, Mr. Boyd was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Boyd and two sisters, Sohnya Boyd and Winston Fleischman.

Funeral services will be 3 PM Wednesday, December 30, 2015, in Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church, with burial in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 P.M. at the Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Lineal Artie Smith, Sr., 78, husband of Eunice Richards Smith, passed away Wednesday, December 23, 2015, in Carolinas Hospital System in Florence.

Mr. Smith was born September 28, 1937, in Georgia, a son of the late Hoke Smith and Helene Bryan Smith. He was a graduate of Brooklyn-Cayce High School and was a veteran of the US Army National Guard. Mr. Smith drove for Yellow Freight, RC Motorlines and Trailways as a tour bus driver. He was a member of Masonic Lodge #46 AFM, a Shriner, and a Worthy Patron of Eastern Star #137. Mr. Smith was a member of Summerton Baptist Church.

Surviving, in addition to his wife Eunice are: 4 sons, Terry (Heather) Smith, Rob (Kelly) Manuelsmith, Hayward (Jennifer) McKenzie, and Mike Smith; 5 daughters, Jenny (Frankie) Wilson, Beth Prosser, Debbie (Rocky) Ward, Patty Green, and Connie Paradis; brother, William (Dee) Smith; sister, Frances (Bill) Carson; 19 grandchildren; and 28 great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Mr. Smith was preceded in death by a son, Lineal Smith, Jr., grandson Matthew Bowen, and a brother Johnny Smith.

Funeral services will be 3 PM Sunday, December 27, 2015, in Sandy Bay Pentecostal Holiness Church, with burial in Smith Cemetery. The family will receive friends 1 hour before the service at the church. Memorials may be made to Sandy Bay Pentecostal Holiness Church, 172 Delos Road, Kingstree, SC 29556.Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com.

Bruce Allen James, 73, passed away Saturday, December 19, 2015, at his residence.

Mr. James was born September 11, 1942, in Martins Ferry, OH. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps and was retired from CSX as a conductor.

Surviving are: his wife, Pam Snipes James; a son, Bruce A. James, Jr.; 2 daughters, Kim Carman and Melissa Morales; a step daughter, Beverly Baum; 2 grandchildren, Brittany Cantrell and Christopher Carman; and a sister, Pam Patterson.

A memorial service will be held at Mr. James’ home on Saturday December 26, 2015.

William Roy “Bill” Arnold II, 67, husband of Rachel G. Arnold, passed away Wednesday, December 16, 2015, at his residence.

Mr. Arnold was born November 28, 1948 in Concordia, Kansas, a son of the late William Roy and Evelyn Louise Canfield Arnold. He was a veteran of the US Army and was a retired long distance truck driver. He was a graduate of Cloud County Community College in Kansas. “Mr. Bill” was a member of the VFW, American Legion and was a Gideon. He was an active member of Kingstree United Methodist Church and loved playing with his grandchildren.

Surviving are: his wife, Rachel; his children, Rex Arnold, of Kansas, Sandy A. Melton, of Hartsville, William and Sandi Arnold, of Kingstree; six grandchildren, Taylor Brianna Melton, Trenton Wayne Melton, Aiden Connor Melton, Justin Brice (Jamie) Gaymon, William Zachary Arnold and Hunter Skye Yates; six brothers and sisters, Peggy (Jim) Robinson, Lonnie (Mary-Jo) Arnold, Andy (Marijka) Arnold, Melissa Denton, Michael Scott (Nerissa) Arnold, and Angie (Mark) Catron, and a sister in law , Minda Arnold. In addition to his parents, Mr. Arnold was preceded in death by a brother and a sister, Nicholas Arnold and Jannie Shelton.

Funeral services will be 6 PM Sunday, December 20, 2015, in Williamsburg Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends from 5 to 6 Sunday evening before the service. Memorials may be made to Kingstree United Methodist Church, 510 Longstreet Street, Kingstree, SC 29556 or The Gideons International, PO Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800.

Helen Reid Barker Kellahan, wife of the late Richard Herman Kellahan, died peacefully at home on December 9, 2015. She was born April 24, 1925, to Prentice Reid and Ida Thelma Britt Barker in Lumberton, NC, graduated from Lumberton High School and Coker College. She is survived by three sons, Richard Herman (Nancy) Kellahan, Kenneth Reid (Joni) Kellahan, and Christopher Patrick (Jennifer) Kellahan and daughter-in-law, Emily Louisa Tiller Kellahan, all of Kingstree. Also surviving her are one sister Kathleen Barker Evans of Kingstree, one brother Prentice Reid Barker (Kathy) of Hope Mills, NC, twelve grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents, she was pre-deceased by her second son, John Russell Kellahan, her grand-daughter, Reid Louise Kellahan and four brothers, Pitman Warwick Barker, John Alexander Barker, Ernest Knox Barker and Horace Russell Barker.

Helen Reid was a charter member of the Kingstree Presbyterian Church in Kingstree and was an active member, especially through the Women In the Church and its hospitality committee.  She taught in the public schools and was later instrumental in the formation of Williamsburg Academy in 1969 where she is remembered for teaching English as well as being involved in administration. The Garden Makers Garden Club and her personal gardening held a special place in her heart as well.

The family would like to acknowledge and express their deep gratitude to Elizabeth McKenzie, Laura  McFadden, Delores McFadden, Victoria Scott, Diana Barr, Ruth Murphy and Charlotte McGee for the devoted  loving care they provided for  their mother  as well as their father.

There will be a graveside service at 2:00 PM at Williamsburg Cemetery on Sunday, December 13, 2015 followed by a memorial service at 3:00 PM at Kingstree Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends following the memorial service at her home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Kingstree Presbyterian Church, PO Box 904, Kingstree, SC 29556; Tidelands Hospice, 1139 N. Fraser St., Georgetown, SC 29440, Williamsburg Academy, 1000 Sandy Bay Road, Kingstree, SC 29556 or Williamsburg Regional Hospital, 500 Nelson Blvd., Kingstree, SC 29556.

George Harmon Culler, 89, widower of Mary Neal Inabinet Culler, passed away Tuesday, December 8, 2015, in Southland Healthcare Center in Florence.

Mr. Culler was born April 22, 1926, in Orangeburg, SC, a son of the late Julian Wesley Culler and Elizabeth “Leize” Simmons Culler. He was a World War II veteran of the US Navy and was retired as co-owner and President of Kingstree Electric & Supply. “Mr. George” was a Mason and a Shriner and was an active member of Kingstree United Methodist Church where he enjoyed all activities, especially those with the seniors.

Surviving are: his daughter, Ann Culler Mims, of Kingstree; 2 grandsons, Kevin Wayne (Maggie) Mims, of John’s Island, SC and Bryan Culler Mims, of Georgetown, SC; 3 great grandchildren, Hudson, Abbott, and Alden Mims; sister, Rebekah “Tootsie” Gilliam, of Mt. Pleasant, SC; brother, Julian Wesley “Jack” (Frances) Culler, Jr., of Irmo, SC; and special friend, Marian Coker, of Kingstree. In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Culler was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Wayne Mims.

Graveside funeral services will be 11 AM Friday, December 11, 2015, in Kingstree Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends following the service at the cemetery. Memorials may be made to Kingstree United Methodist Church, 510 Longstreet Street, Kingstree, SC 29556 or to a charity of one’s choice.

Mary Elizabeth McClary Brown, 65, wife of Ronald “Ronnie” Brown, passed away Sunday, December 6, 2015, at her residence after an illness.

Mrs. Brown was born June 30, 1950, in Kingstree, a daughter of Mae Dell McKnight McClary and the late William Julius McClary. She was a graduate of Kingstree High School and was a homemaker. Mary was a member of Millwood United Methodist Church.

Surviving, in addition to her mother Mae Dell and her husband Ronnie, both of Kingstree, are : her daughter, Ashley Henderson, of Pelzer; 3 grandchildren, Whitney Snowden, of Gainesville, GA, Jacob Snowden, of Johnsonville, and Keaton Windham, of Lamar; her sister, Wanda Holliday, of Kingstree; and her brother, William J. (Mary) McClary, Jr., of Kingstree. In addition to her father, Mary was preceded in death by her sister, Debbie McClary.

Graveside funeral services will be 11 AM Wednesday, December 9, 2015, in McClary Cemetery. Mrs. Brown’s family will receive friends following the service at Millwood Community Center in Millwood. Memorials may be made St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Anthony Howard “Amp” Sherman, 50, died Monday, November 30, 2015 from injuries received in an auto accident. His wife, Donna Tisdale Sherman also died in the accident.

Mr. Sherman was born May 16, 1965 in Clarendon Co., a son of the late Joseph Herman and Sarah Frances Bridwell Sherman. He was a graduate of Manning High School and was the owner/manager of a Firestone retail store in North Carolina. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Manning.

Surviving are his daughter Ashley (Donte Grant) Sherman of Dalzell; brothers Brad (Becky) Sherman and Donnie (Brenda) Sherman of Sumter; sister Nona (Dave) Jordan of North Carolina; step-daughter Amanda (Jacob) Christmas of Kingstree; step-son Alan (Laurin) McKnight of Kingstree; 3 grandchildren Gabriella Grant, Jake Christmas, and Savannah McKnight; and a nephew, Donald Sherman, of Manning. In addition to his parents, Anthony was preceded in death by a niece, Angela Sherman and a nephew, Shane Mouzon.

Graveside funeral services for Mr. and Mrs. Sherman will be 2 P.M. Friday in Cedar Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. A memorial service for Mr. Sherman will be 3 PM Sunday, December 6, 2015, in Midway Baptist Church, Plowden Mill Road, Sumter, SC. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Manning 49 W. Boyce St. Manning, SC 29102.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com.

Donna Renee Tisdale Sherman, 50, died Monday, November 30, 2015, from injuries received in an auto accident. Her husband, Anthony H. Sherman also died in the accident.

Mrs. Sherman was born March 30, 1965, in Williamsburg County, a daughter of Furman and Carolyn Langley Tisdale. She was a graduate of Williamsburg County schools and was a homemaker.

Surviving, in addition to her parents of Kingstree, are : a daughter, Amanda (Jacob) Christmas of Kingstree; a son, Alan (Lauren) McKnight of Kingstree; step-daughter, Ashley Sherman of Dalzell; brothers, Chris Tisdale and Grady (Mary) Tisdale, both of Kingstree; 3 grandchildren, Jake Christmas, Savannah McKnight and Gabriella Grant.

Graveside funeral services for Mr. and Mrs. Sherman will be 2 P.M. Friday in Cedar Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Cedar Grove Baptist Church. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com.

Addie Bell Dennis Thigpen, 74, died Thursday, November 26, 2015, in the Kingstree Nursing Facility.

Mrs. Thigpen was born January 14, 1941, in Kingstree, a daughter of the late French Dennis and Hattie Thames Dennis. She was a graduate of Kingstree High School and was a clerk at Williamsburg County Magistrate’s Office. Mrs. Addie was a member of the Assembly of God Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Annie Mae (Mac) McCants and a brother Ted (Nell)  Dennis.

Surviving are: her children, Charlie Don (Lisa) Thigpen, of Alexandra, VA; Pamela “Jean” (Smitty) Wrenn, of Lane; and Bobby “Joe” (Traci) Thigpen, of Marion; her siblings, Evelyn (Buddy) Gaskins; Jack Dennis, and Randy Dennis; 10 grandchildren, Jeramy (Becky) Thigpen, Andrew (Sarah) Thigpen, Jessica (Rob) Conder, Summer (Joey) McDaniel, Nick (Nicole) Thigpen, Josh (Lelia) Smith, Matthew Smith, Rachel (Armin) Guldalian, Shannon (Brad) Byrd and Greg (Christi) Lee; 20 great grandchildren, Gavin Thigpen, Gabriel Thigpen, Garrison Thigpen, Corbin Thigpen, Jenson McDaniel, Maximus Conder, Stell Conder, Presley Conder, Jackson Conder, Brinlee Thigpen, Layton Thigpen, Maxwell Smith, David Smith, Ashley Smith, Kane Smith, Kaos Smith, Indi Guldalian, Arie Guldalian, Jacob Lee and Greg Lee.

Funeral services will be 6 PM Saturday, November 28, 2015, in the Williamsburg Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Kingstree Nursing Facility, 401 Nelson Blvd, Kingstree, SC 29556.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com.

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